And you're right, jsmolen, I do take it personally – probably the same way a priest would feel offended if someone said to him, “All priests are child molesters”, or the way a Muslim might feel if someone else said to him, “All Muslims are terrorists”. Never did I disagree that it is a terrible thing for that soldier to lose his life in such a way (or in any way, for that matter). I was just trying to point out that stereotyping and spreading erroneous information is also wrong. To make a blanket statement that all contractors are mercenaries, like contractorsrmercs, is ignorant, to say the least.

And where do people get the information on which to base their opinions? Generally from the media. If we are going to hold contractors responsible for performing their jobs adequately, shouldn't we also hold the media responsible for publishing facts? For instance, saying that KBR sent an unarmed convoy out on the roads – we do all realize that it's a military function to provide the gun support, right? Not to point the finger – just stating the facts.

Just one more thing: KBR doesn't wear uniforms, and they don't get any clothing for free. So you don't have to feel mad about that anymore.

p.s. – of course contractors don't get GI Bill. they're not GI's (though some were previously.) if contractors want military benefits they need to sign on the line for Uncle Sam. you all know what the terms of your contracts are before you agree to go: lots of $, no weapon (officially), mid-tour trips to visit family at home, free uniforms (which is total crap if you ask me), and no one ensuring they are getting protection from the top, nor that they are all doing the right thing. you're a little late to try to negotiate for military benefits now.

I can't speak for other contractors, but this article is about KBR employees. They are not allowed to carry weapons. Period. Not even the Security team. In fact, if they are found with weapons, they get fired. I myself have never even touched a gun. Oh yeah – I'm a contractor. All 5 feet, 100 pounds of me. Pretty tough and scary, huh?

They are the ones that are causing us all the problems in Iraq with the civilians over they, because of the fact that they “do” operate with total and complete imunity from the law. I can actually walk right up to anyone they want and shoot them in the head and not a thing would happen over there. (Exactly that situation did happen and the person they killed was Iraq's VP's body guard.) So if they can do that and nothing happens to them how do you think that reflects on our country to the people of Iraq.

I strongly recommend that people read ” BlackWater” the rise of the worls most powerful mercenary army. Also does it suprise anyone that the company is run by one crazy evangelical nuts that have dominated our country since the treasonous administration has taken office.

Thanks to bringing this unknown topic up